Illinois Photo | Lake Michigan Destinations

Discover the Illinois Lakeshore

Illinois region map on Lake Michigan

Chicago, Illinois is the primary travel destination in our Illinois Lakeshore region along Lake Michigan. It’s also the most populated city on Lake Michigan.

But there are many more outstanding Lake Michigan Destinations along the Illinois Lakeshore, including Zion, Evanston, Winnetka, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Waukegan, and Winthrop Harbor. Come, explore some of the lesser known communities which have unique offerings….and less traffic!

Visit These Illinois Lakeshore Destinations

Here are but a few of the towns which are delightful to discover along Lake Michigan in Illinois:

Zion, Illinois

Sitting on Illinois’ border with Wisconsin sits Zion. One of the only cities in the world to be fully planned before being built.

Lake Forest, Illinois

Lake Forest began as a town in 1857 and is a convenient destination for visitors travelling south to Chicago.

Winthrop Harbor

Winthrop Harbor, Illinois

Winthrop Harbor is located on the northern border of Illinois. It is a suburb of Chicago and houses the largest marina on the Great Lakes.

Lake Michigan Reed Photo

Waukegan, Illinois

North of Chicago, Waukegan is home to the Genessee Theatre, Great Lakes Naval Base, and mile long Waukegan Municipal Beach.

Highland Park, Illinois

With it’s downtown shopping district, three public beaches, and more, Highland Park gives visitors plenty of opportunities to explore.

Winnetka, Illinois

Winnetka is a beautiful place for many activities within its forest preserve land and twenty-seven parks surrounding Winnetka.

Lake Michigan water photo by Todd Reed

Evanston, Illinois

Evanston, just north of Chicago, is alive with diverse entertainment options, courtesy of the creative students at Northwestern University.

Chicago, Illinois

Chicago is a bustling, popular city which brings any visitor plenty of sites to see, activities to do, and historical landmarks to explore.

Illinois region map on Lake Michigan

Illinois Lakeshore Lighthouses

Most Illinois lighthouses are in Chicago, with a couple more just north of the Windy City.

  • Waukegan Harbor Light, Waukegan
  • Grosse Point Lighthouse, Evanston
  • Wilson Avenue Crib Lighthouse, Chicago
  • William E. Dever Crib Light, Chicago
  • Chicago Harbor Lighthouse, Chicago
  • Chicago Harbor Southeast Guide Wall, Chicago
  • 4 Mile Crib Light, Chicago
  • 68th Street Crib Lighthouse, Chicago

Lake Michigan Travel Regions

Michigan
Wisconsin
Indiana & Illinois

Discover More Lake Michigan Destinations

East Chicago, Indiana

East Chicago, Indiana is part of the Indiana Lakeshore along the Lake Michigan Circle Tour. Be sure to visit the nearby Indiana Sand Dunes.

Reefpoint Marina, Racine County, Wisconsin

Racine, Wisconsin

Racine County is located in southeastern Wisconsin along Lake Michigan, situated 25 miles south of Milwaukee and 60 miles north of Chicago.

Michigan City Indiana

Michigan City, Indiana

Surrounded by wandering dunes and singing sand, Michigan City welcomes you to Lake Michigan’s southern tip in grand style.

Kewaunee, Wisconsin

Kewaunee, Wisconsin offers a variety of activities for all seasons including deep water fishing, biking, hiking, kayaking, and more.

Menominee, Michigan

Among the water activities, shopping, and dining, Menominee, Michigan offers historical museum, beaches, and parks.